In 2010, Mexico celebrated two hundred years of independence. Director Luis Estrada (HEROD'S LAW, ÁMBAR) celebrated the bicentennial by making El Infierno (Hell), a darkly comedic gangster epic about contemporary life in Mexico.

Benjamin Garcia (Damián Alcázar) is deported from America. After returning to his hometown in Mexico with no prospects, he ends up working for a local crime lord named El Cochiloco (Joaquín Cosio). Benjamin slowly transforms into El Benny, a gangster who lives on a diet of sex, dope, and murder. As Benny rises in the drug hierarchy, it becomes evident that his life parallels that of his brother. His brother’s life didn’t turn out so well.

El Infierno is gangster epic in the style of THE GODFATHER and SCARFACE. The film, which clocks at close to two-and-a-half hours, follows a man from humble beginnings to the top of the criminal underworld. El Infierno distinguishes itself from its predecessors in some important ways. It operates as a dark satirical commentary on the current state of Mexican culture and politics. No topic is off-limits: gangs, drug violence, and political corruption are addressed in a bold fashion. The film also riffs heavily on the infamous Mexican narco cinema genre. The film is profuse with narcocorrido music, big shiny trucks, and tough dudes dressed in fancy shirts and pointy boots. The presence of Mexican screen legend Mario Almada is further evidence of how far El Infierno is willing to go in its quest for authenticity and irony.

The film was highly controversial upon its initial release and was banned in many Mexican states. The controversy did not prevent the film from receiving critical accolades, though. El Infierno took away nine awards at the 2011 Ariel Awards, including Best Picture. Damián Alcázar also received a Best Actor award.